Maddog's Hogs: Chapter 1

Hi. I’m Madeline and my mom said that I should write about my babies (my pigs). So here it goes.

Well first of all they already are really tame! Thanx to me! So that’s good. I’m sorry to say, though, that we have lost one! She was the biggest gilt. She died by drowning.

See, we have this nipple water and a baby feeder. The feeder has 3 sections to it and an open top where you pour the feed. Then our nipple water is a 5 gallon bucket with a plastic nipple in the side and you fill it with water. I figured that they were smart enough not to go on top of it and get the water that way!

Well I guess I was wrong, because when I came up from playing in the basement to check on them I saw her butt up. I went over there and gasped! Of course the rest you could probably figure out if you know me personally! I went over there with my mouth opened big and eyes bugging out. I poked her butt and when she didn’t move that is the part where I shed, well, let’s say more than one tear.

At that time Olivia was over by me and when I started pulling her out (the pig) she said, “Okay, okay wait,” and she ran to the other side of the room. My mom was really the only one that made an attempt to comfort me. Once she heard the tractor over by the garage (because I was loading my baby up) she came downstairs and asked what happened. Once I told her what happened she said “Oh that sucks!”

So yeah, that was an upsetting day.

My dad of course only said, “So…I heard you lost a pig!” And my dog Ava wasn’t much comfort either, because the next morning I saw the pig up by our front porch…what do you think that means? Now thanx to my dad’s great thinking we have a lid on the bucket. So for all of you first or second or even third time pig lovers/owners MAKE SURE YOU PUT A LID OVER YOUR BUCKET!! Or else they might drown!.!

Anyway, I have to open the garage door once a day at the least to air out the stink in there! I also have to scoop out their pen once a week and I give them straw whenever they need it. We have heat lamps for them, too, just in case they get too cold.

They truely are the babies of the family!

Thanks for reading our blog…and for those of you who purchase our meat, I will be having some meat for sale (pork) but I just wanted to let you know that they had antibiotics put in them before we got them and they haven’t had vegetarian food. But I do have meat for sale if anyone feels like making a little girl very happy!

8 Responses to Maddog's Hogs: Chapter 1

Madeline,Sorry about the loss. You are such a tough girl to take it so well. You are getting to live a life and experience life the way it was intended. Everything is not always alright, and good things don’t always happen to good people. But you already know that. Farming is hard and I hope that my 3 year old will get the experience and work ethic on our farm that you have learned on yours. Remember, bad things happen, but it is never more than you can handle, when your heart is with the Lord. This world can take our happiness but it can’t touch our joy. You are inspiring and thanks for sharing.

Madeline -Sorry about your loss, but you are one tough cookie to have handled it on your own like a woman!! Even though I have never met you, I am so proud of for choosing to raise your own animals and show in 4-H. Good luck this year, and I look forward to more posts from you and your family – and more pig pictures.Kris

Oh Madeline I’m so sorry to hear about losing one of your babies. I think it’s wonderful though, the strength you’re showing. Your parents are teaching more than just farming and animal husbandry you know that don’t you? They’re teaching you strength to deal with everything life presents you. You’re one lucky young lady! I hope your mother allows you to guest blog often.

Wow, what a story! Sorry to hear about the pig that didn’t make it, but it seems like you handled the situation very well. I probably wouldn’t have put a lid on the bucket, either. Who would have thought a pig would climb in there? I think the rest of your pigs are going to do great. I can’t wait to read your next report! Thanks for sharing, Madeline!

Madeline,We are sorry to hear about your loss. It sounds like you learned a very valuable lesson from it, as tough as it was, and you are wise enough to share it with others, so they don’t have to go through the same thing. What a blessing you are! Good Luck in 4-H (our daughters are enjoying it to). God Bless Bradley Family

Thankyou everyone for leaving a comment and reading my posts! I promise there will be more to come! Kramer I hope your 3 year old has as great a time as I am having… Lisa you are right I couldn’t have done this without my mommy and daddy! Thankyou again to everyone!! Luv, Madeline*